SIENA (Reuters) - An Italian judge has rejected a prosecutors’ request to seize just under 200 million euros ($275 million) of funds from JP Morgan (JPM.N) as part of an investigation into Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena’s acquisition of a smaller rival, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said.

A sign outside the headquarters of JP Morgan Chase & Co in New York, September 19, 2013. REUTERS/Mike Segar